ITALIAN superstar Alessandro del Piero last night spoke of the burning personal ambition which is driving him on ahead of tonight's big showdown in Milan, writes Paul Abbandonato.

Del Piero, who has won a glut of medals at club level with Juventus, says he is desperate for success at international level too.

And he blames himself for wrecking Italy's dream of winning the last European Championships held in Holland and Belgium.

The Italians were 1-0 up in the final against France and del Piero had two one-on-ones with Fabien Barthez to wrap up the game.

He fluffed them, France scored a last-gasp equaliser and then won via the golden goal in extra-time.

"People still talk to me about what happened that day and of course it was disappointing," said del Piero.

"It's not just that one, though. I was injured for the 1998 World Cup campaign and last time out in Japan and Korea things didn't go to plan for either myself or the team.

"Then, when we lost to Wales last October, it looked bad for us in Euro 2004 as well. But we've turned things around and, backed by our own fans, we have to be confident of winning in the San Siro.

"I'm very keen for us not only to reach Portugal next summer but to go on and win the tournament, too. That feeling applies to the rest of the team too, because we know the next two years gives us our big chance.

"Perhaps because those chances fell my way in the final, I feel an extra need to help get us to Portugal and then to do well once we are there."I'm happy with my football this season, I'm happy with the way we are turning things around in this group. And, if we have beaten Wales, I will be even happier then."